Day 02: Beijing
Today's delightful highlights cover the Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. You can have a relaxing time in Tiananmen Square and take some photos. If you have a free day in Beijing, you can go to see the dawn flag raising ceremony in the Square. It needs you to get up very early in the morning and arrives at the Square before sunrise. Only by doing so can you see the ceremony clearly as there are crowds of people attending the ceremony every morning. Upon your arrival at the Forbidden City, you will notice the dominant color in the Forbidden City is yellow, as yellow is the symbol of the royal family. Roofs are built with yellow glazed tiles; decorations in the palace are painted yellow; even the bricks on the ground are made yellow in special process. However, there is one exception. Wenyuange, the royal library, has a black roof. Because it was believed black represented water in the ancient China which could extinguish fire.

When you have the chance to visit the Temple of Heaven, you are recommended to visit the Three Echo Stones, which is outside of the gate of the Imperial Vault of Heaven. If you speak facing the Vault while standing on the first stone, you will hear one echo. Standing on the second and then the third stone, you will hear two and three echoes respectively. Another interesting and famous place for you to visit is called Echo Wall owning special feature. The wall encloses the Imperial Vault of Heaven and its perimeter is 193 meters long. If you and your friend stand at the east and the west roots of the wall respectively and you whisper a word, then your friend will hear clearly what you say. Isn't it interesting? The phenomenon utilizes the theory of sound wave.

In the evening, you will be served Beijing Roasted Duck for dinner at a famous restaurant, followed by a lively Peking Opera performance at the Liyuan Theatre.

Peking Opera, Beijing

Day 03: Beijing
One of the most important activities for the entire Beijing trip is the brief hiking at the Great Wall, Badaling section. No words can tell its amazement to the world. It is the must place you should visit in China. Its tremendous influence is well-known around the world. So, just help yourself to enjoy your trip there. At noon, Sichuan food is arranged for lunch at a nice restaurant after a short drive.
 
In the afternoon, you will continue the visit to the Sacred Way and the Ming Tomb. In the front part of the imperial necropolises, there usually is a Sacred Way (or Divine Road) which means the road leading to heaven. The Emperor, known as the Son of the Heaven, who came from Heaven to his country through the Sacred Way, also deservedly would return to Heaven through this road. The road is often lined with stone statues which are important decorations of the mausoleum. These statues are usually 12 human figures (including the general, civil officials and meritorious officials) and 24 animals which are lion, camel, elephant, xiezhi (a mythological unicorn), qilin (one of the four "divine animals, the other three are dragon, phoenix and tortoise), and horse. There are 4 of each of these animals: two standing and two squatting with different meanings. Lion symbolizes awesome solemnity because of their ferocity. Camel and elephant are meant to suggest the vastness of the territory controlled by the court, because they are dependable transport in desert and tropics. Xiezhi was put there to keep evil spirits away, because it was believed to possess the sixth sense to tell right and wrong. If two men fight, a xiezhi would gore the wicked one. Qilin, an auspicious symbol, was placed on two sides. Horse, as the emperor's mount, is absolutely indispensable. It is said that these animals is supposed to change guard at midnight.
 

The Ming Tomb was originally built only as Changling, the tomb of Emperor Zhuli and his empresses. This is the most magnificent of the tombs. The succeeding twelve emperors built their tombs around Changling. We feel that it is necessary to remind visitors with heart problems to consider carefully whether they should enter the underground chambers. The atmosphere and dull lighting can be a problem. As always, do not hesitate to consult your guide, who will be able to offer advice.
 

The a la carte dinner is served at a famous Cantonese cuisine restaurant in the Wangfujing area. 

Day 04: Beijing/ Exit
Have a visit to the Royal Summer Palace. Covering an area of 4,300 mu 290 hectares, the park in Beijing is an outstanding example of imperial gardens. The landscape architect utilized Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake to create a paradise of hills and waters. Artisans reproduced the garden architecture styles of various palaces in China and combined them to create a harmonious atmosphere. Then your guide will see you off at the airport and thanks for choosing our service. 

Meals : B